125 years ago

december 10, 1886

Let us smile! Four new trunk lines of railroad are welcomed to Marion County—The Rock Island, the Missouri Pacific, the ‘Frisco, and the Fort Smith. Tuesday was a red-letter day in the history of Marion and Marion county. Bonds were voted to the four roads named. The election is over and the Record congratulates the people of Marion county upon this splendid result. We firmly believe these roads will double the valuation and population of this county in a comparatively few years. It is indeed a time for rejoicing.

Loveless & Sackett will move into their mammoth new quarters in the new Case block, next week.

Bates Brothers have sold their bakery and confectionery to Frank Strohwig and Fred Lichtenthaler, who will continue the business at the old stand. Frank comes from the Marion Mills, where by industry and square dealing he has won public confidence, while Fred is known as an excellent baker and confectioner, and a fine young man in every respect. Success to the new firm.

Mr. W. B. Freeman is a good friend of Santa Claus, and he objects to that worthy being represented in Dr. Weem’s pictorial advertisement with a pipe in his mouth. Mr. Freeman is terribly down on the weed, and he says Santa Claus is too nice a man to smoke, and especially to smoke a pipe.

Marion was wild with joy, Tuesday night. Sufficient returns were in by eight o’clock to make it certain that the bonds were carried by a large majority. A big bonfire was started on Main street around which a happy crowd shouted themselves hoarse. In the meantime, the Elgin Hotel was the scene of still greater joy. The great surging throng shouted and laughed and shook hands, and finally insisted upon some speeches. In response to these demands, Col. Baker, Dr. Weatherby, Mr. Doster, Mr Kellison, and a gentleman from Nebraska made happy remarks which were interrupted with frequent and hearty cheers. Everybody happy! On with the boom! Now for waterworks.